The Inquisitive Inkpot
Exploring Tales and the Art of Telling
Tag: historical fiction
Overcoming the Research Roadblock
Research can either make or break a story, so we writers have to get it right. Time periods, cultures, social/government systems, technology—anything in your story that ranges beyond your area of expertise is going to require some intensive research. I learned this the hard… Continue Reading “Overcoming the Research Roadblock”
Stepping toward the Sequel
For those of you who have already read The Exile, I have some perhaps long-awaited news: a sequel is underway. I’ll admit that this decision came with some difficulty, largely because of my own fondness of open endings. The beauty of open endings is… Continue Reading “Stepping toward the Sequel”
The Exile: a Golden Review
I always feel a mix of anxiety and excitement when another writer leaves a review for one of my books. Every review counts, of course, but those left by other writers are the ones that carry the most weight. Just like every golfer feels… Continue Reading “The Exile: a Golden Review”
When Political and Social Ideas are Born
As much as I enjoy historical fiction, I weary of seeing modern political agendas pasted into historical settings. We’ve all seen it: a character in a book or movie openly shares a fully developed opinion that never would have been expressed during that period… Continue Reading “When Political and Social Ideas are Born”
Transported: When Historical Fiction comes off the Page
Bringing a character to life is a challenge of its own, but bringing an entire era to life—that takes another kind of artistry. My most recent experience of historical fiction reminded me once again of why I love the genre: when done right, it… Continue Reading “Transported: When Historical Fiction comes off the Page”
Identity Crisis: the Point of Re-inquiring
Identity Crises come in many forms. And with any luck, they lead to positive changes. This one is no exception. On The Inquisitive Inkpot’s 30th birthday, it has come face-to-face with the reality it can no longer deny: it is something different from what… Continue Reading “Identity Crisis: the Point of Re-inquiring”
The Aeronauts: What the Skies Teach us about Humanity
Found: a fine specimen of historical fiction and an epic ride. It’s Director Tom Harper’s latest, The Aeronauts. Admittedly I was mostly interested in seeing Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones starring opposite one another again (after first seeing their acting chemistry in The Theory… Continue Reading “The Aeronauts: What the Skies Teach us about Humanity”
We are all Characters…
If someone were to write a book based on your life… what kind of character would you be? This is probably an odd question, but it occurred to me the other day after finishing a journal entry. I haven’t journaled regularly in a long… Continue Reading “We are all Characters…”
Wait… What did I just see?
Do you ever finish watching a series and then just need some time to mentally process everything? Four weeks after finishing Season 3 of “The Last Kingdom,” I am still formulating my opinions on the series as a whole. I will say that as… Continue Reading “Wait… What did I just see?”
It’s About Time!… Or is it?
“You don’t look like the rest,” Clare said, her eyes traveling over the scars on my skin. “I was a warrior,” I told her. “But I can tell you’re not from any clan at all.” She lowered her eyes and glanced at her sister… Continue Reading “It’s About Time!… Or is it?”
